Allen Automotive, Inc

June is National Safety Month, and we want to share our favorite no-cost driving safety tip: The Three-Second Rule. ⏱️

When the car in front of you passes a fixed object (like a sign or a tree), you should be able to count to three before your front bumper reaches that same spot.

Why it matters to us: In stop-and-go summer traffic, tailgating is the #1 cause of fender-benders. Giving yourself space protects your brakes, reduces panic stops, and keeps your car out of our repair bays! Let’s keep our community roads safe this summer. Share this tip with a new driver in your family!

Thinking about trying one of those "pay-as-you-go" insurance plans to save a few bucks? As mechanics, we need to give you a quick heads-up about a hidden side effect!

A recent article by CarBuzz breaks down how these programs track your driving. One popular method involves plugging a small telematics dongle directly into your car's OBD-II port (under the dash). While it's highly accurate, these devices draw power directly from your vehicle’s 12-volt battery system. ⚠️ If your car sits idle for a couple of weeks, that little device can drain your battery.

Read the pros and cons before you plug anything in!

Does Pay-As-You-Go Car Insurance Actually Save You Money? Our ways of driving are continuously changing, so why should your insurance stay the same?

🌡️📈 Did you know that for every 10-degree jump in outside temperature, the air pressure inside your tires can increase by 1 to 2 PSI?

As June heats up, the pavement can get brutal. If your tires were already slightly over-inflated, that extra expansion can put you at risk for a summer blowout. If you need a tire inspection, contact our team for assistance. 🛞⚠️

Is your car celebrating a milestone? 🎂 Once your odometer hits 75k miles, it’s officially entered its " prime." At this stage, your engine's seals can start to lose their flexibility, which can lead to tiny oil leaks on your driveway or to oil burning that wasn't there before. High-mileage oil is specifically formulated with seal conditioners that help swell and rejuvenate those old gaskets, keeping the oil inside the engine where it belongs.

Need an oil change with a high-mileage oil option? Turn to our team to get the ultimate oil change service.

🛑 STOP! Before you check your coolant level, remember the #1 Rule of Radiators: NEVER open the cap while the engine is hot. Opening that cap on a hot engine is like opening a shaken-up soda bottle, but with 220-degree liquid.

The best way to go about it is to check the "overflow" plastic reservoir (the see-through tank) while the engine is cool. If it’s below the "Full" line, give us a call. We’ll top you off and check for the "why" behind the low level!